steven rappolee ‏@rappolee 53 minutes ago @torybruno @Rand_Simberg @Astro_Zach @NASASpaceflight would there have been enough RD-180’s for CST-100(6)SNC(6) some orbital(?) and DOD?

January 14, 2016

steven rappolee ‏@rappolee 53 minutes ago @torybruno @Rand_Simberg @Astro_Zach @NASASpaceflight would there have been enough RD-180’s for CST-100(6)SNC(6) some orbital(?) and DOD?

The twitter question of the day?

What if Boeing CST-100 and SNC Dream chaser had won CSR2 contract along with some Cygnus lofted on Atlas, would there have been enough RD-180’s to go around along with DOD commitments?

And did this enter into consideration in regards to NASA’s thinking in regards to CSR2 contract award? CST-100 and SNC Dream chaser would have required 12 RD-180’s bought civilly (non DOD engine ban) Plus additional for how many Cygnus go up on Atlas.

As the award was awarded NASA places less reliance on the RD-180 and this is a case of dissimilar redundancy. We have Cygnus on Antares for some flights Atlas for some others; NASA wants to be able to tailor individual flight orders for up mass.On the other hand loss of RD-180 could shift flights back to wallops.Could policy? did the CRS2 NASA contracting team consider this?